How Do You Deodorize a Dog Kennel?

Dog kennels must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent odors and control urine. Urine odors are not only offensive, but they can also present a health hazard to dogs and people who enter the area. Urine odor can cause tracheal problems in young dogs, especially in puppies, and can cause respiratory irritation in older dogs. A clean kennel helps keep the pet healthy and happy in a sanitary environment.

Before you begin cleaning a dog kennel, put on gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes. There may be feces and urine in the kennel along with hair, dirt and debris. You should also remove the dog from the kennel while you clean it to avoid getting infected or bitten by the animal.

You will need to scrub the kennel, inside and out with soap and water. This will help to evacuate organic solid waste. It will not, however, disinfect the kennel and kill bacteria. A kennel needs to be disinfected with a disinfectant, such as a 1:32 bleach solution or another commercially purchased cleaner. This should be sprayed on all surfaces and left to sit for 30 minutes or more. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution.

Once the kennel is scrubbed, you can rinse it and then wash all of the bedding, toys and bowls. If there is any bedding that cannot be washed, you should throw it away and purchase new bedding. Be sure to wash all bedding on a routine basis and toss any that has become chewed up or smells of urine.

Moisture provides the perfect breeding ground for microbial growth, so you need to remove as much moisture from the kennel as possible while you are cleaning it. The best way to do this is by using a squeegee or an effective fan. Moisture can also harbor odors, so be sure to clean and disinfect all surfaces thoroughly.

You can also use a natural deodorizer, such as white vinegar and baking soda, to eliminate kennel and urine odors. You can spray the mixture directly on the kennel or sprinkle it in areas where there is an odor. You can also purchase products that contain enzymes to clean and deodorize the kennel, such as Sunny & Honey Brands.

These products contain live cultures that safely break down organic waste and odors in the kennel, such as urination, vomit and drool. They also provide an antibacterial and antifungal treatment for fabrics, carpets and floors. These are a great alternative to harsh chemical-based cleaning and deodorizing products that can hurt pets and humans alike. These products are available online and at many retailers, including Petco and PetSmart. They can be purchased in a variety of forms, such as liquid sprayers and hand sprayers. These are extremely useful for kennels, especially in homes that have multiple dogs or large breeds of dogs. They are also a great choice for commercial kennels and animal shelters.